The Integrity of Local Enforcement Officers: Self Proclaim vs Colleague Perception

Abstract

Social development requires the removal of barriers so that all citizens can live with confidence and dignity. This development is driven with integrity, to sustain society trust and wellbeing with the help of local enforcement officers. However, local enforcement integrity issues become more serious since they serve public interest and constantly deals with law offenders and public criminals. This study therefore, examines the effects of demographic, experience and organisational factors on the integrity of local enforcement officers. The data was collected in 2017 from Pusat Latihan Penguatkuasa Selangor, a training centre for local enforcement officers in Malaysia. Based on vignettes survey of 216 respondents, a paired-samples t-test analysis was carried out. The results indicate that there is a significant difference between self-proclaim and colleague perception only in the ‘willingness to report’ and not ‘offence seriousness’ category. This study helps local authorities, government, private organisation and the policy makers to ensure integrity issues can be prevented thoroughly in all areas.